Hydroponic Farm Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager - Infinity Greens Hydroponic Farm

Mountain Roots is seeking a skilled and motivated individual to serve as Assistant Manager for our growing indoor vertical farming program that produces culinary greens and herbs. This year-round full time role supports all aspects of hydroponic farm production while also taking on leadership and decision-making responsibilities in collaboration with the Hydroponic Farm Manager.

The Assistant Manager will participate in all aspects of crop management including, but not limited to: sowing, transplanting, harvesting, processing, and packaging fresh food to be sold in local markets. All growers conduct regular farm systems maintenance and cleaning, and maintain high standards in food safety and product quality. The Assistant Manager will assist in training new farmers, interns, and AmeriCorps members, oversee tasks, and will play a key role in ensuring smooth daily operations, taking leadership when the Manager is off duty. This position is ideal for someone with technical farming skills, a proactive mindset, and the desire to shape the future of an innovative food systems program.

The work is fast-paced, physical, and hands-on. This position also includes responsibilities in systems maintenance, sanitation, quality control, food safety, sales, and farm business / finance. The position requires occasional solo work in enclosed container spaces with active HVAC systems, and includes some weekend and holiday hours. This is a dynamic leadership role with room to grow as the program evolves.

About Us

Mountain Roots Food Project is a community food systems initiative in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Mountain Roots manages a district-wide Farm to School program, regional Healthy Futures AmeriCorps program, Food Security program, Regenerative Agriculture program, and more. Gunnison County is a headwaters region of the Colorado River and includes the ski town of Crested Butte and the wide-open ranchlands and riverways of Gunnison.

We are significantly increasing the food resources in our rural mountain community and continue to expand our growing spaces to meet the rapidly growing demand for healthy, local food and to overcome challenges to cold-climate organic food production. Our fourteen-person farm team works with staff and volunteers to model, teach, and promote regenerative techniques that improve soil health and water conservation, build sustainable food systems, and promote environmental stewardship, community development, and equitable access to good food for all.

Mountain Roots is exploring emerging hydroponic technology to better understand its value and place in the future of food. We are developing a replicable model to demonstrate how hydroponic container farming can be a viable solution for cold climate food production that makes a positive contribution to overall resilience of our community. The farms provide a venue for emerging farmer training, for research and development of value-added organic crop products, and for the expansion of educational programming for children, volunteers, young adults, and community members.

Above all, the farms and growing spaces positively impact equitable access to healthy, nutritious food and promote community food security.

The Assistant Manager Can Expect to:

· Lead or assist with all aspects of crop production including seeding, transplanting, nutrient management, pest control, harvesting, post-harvest processing, and packaging

· Maintain high standards in food safety, system hygiene (certified clean room), sustainable pest management, tool & equipment maintenance, and facility operations

· Develop and follow planting schedules and monitor key metrics such as pH, EC, and water quality to ensure optimal plant health

· Provide day-to-day leadership in the absence of the Farm Manager, including oversight of schedules, workflows, and production goals

· Train, mentor, and supervise farm crew, AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers

· Contribute to outreach, marketing, and sales efforts including farmers markets, restaurant accounts, and community events

· Assist with budget tracking, grant reporting, data collection, and strategic planning to support program growth

· Support marketing and distribution plans including farmer’s markets, farm stand, restaurant sales, and our annual farm-to-table fundraiser.

· Represent Mountain Roots in public settings, including tours, community events, meetings, and organization-wide events.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for someone who is ready to step into a leadership role on our hydroponic farm team—someone who brings technical skill, operational confidence, and a collaborative, community-minded approach to farming.

The ideal candidate will have:

· Hands-on experience in hydroponic or indoor farming, with strong knowledge of crop production systems, nutrient management, water quality, pest control, and post-harvest handling.

· The ability to oversee daily operations and make confident, informed decisions when managing the farm in the absence of the Farm Manager

· Strong leadership and communication skills, with a track record of training or mentoring others and managing team workflows

· A detail-oriented and organized approach to planting schedules, cleanliness, recordkeeping, and systems maintenance.

· Comfort working in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment with variable schedules including weekends or holidays

· Interest in the strategic side of farm operations, with potential to contribute to budgeting, grant reporting, marketing, and program development

· Dedication: Farm work and the care of living things requires patience and commitment to long term goals, and navigation of expected ups and downs and unexpected changes that occur during any growing season;

· Flexibility: Farming is dynamic, and must be able to shift gears quickly and efficiently;

· A collaborative mindset, able to lead and also work alongside interns, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and staff

· A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an understanding of how food access and food justice shape our work

· A growth-oriented attitude—willing to learn, take initiative, seek feedback, and adapt to challenges with resilience and creativity

· A genuine passion for local food systems and a belief in the power of farming to strengthen community

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience with budget tracking, grant writing/reporting, or nonprofit program administration

· Experience in sales, marketing, or customer relations—especially within local food systems

Physical Demands

· Ability to lift 20–50 lbs regularly

· Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours/day)

· Work safely in tight spaces and on uneven ground

· Perform repetitive tasks using hands and fingers

· Wear and properly use safety/protective equipment for extended periods

How to Apply: Applications are accepted by email only.

Please send two documents (word or PDF please) to: collin@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

1) Resume with contact information for two references

2) Prepare a letter of interest that explains:

a) the value you will add to our team: your experience with farming/gardening or local food systems,

b) your goals / what you’d like to learn; and

c) three attributes your co-workers, friends, and family would all agree you possess, with examples.

Use “Assistant Manager 2025 – NAME” in the subject of your email

Use “NAME_Resume” and “NAME_LetterofInterest” as the titles of your attachments.

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Mountain Roots Food Project is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 32 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) 3% Match
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Hydroponic Farming: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Gunnison, CO 81230: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25